Charles Barkley Drops Surprising Retirement Timeline: What He’s Planning After Two More Years on ESPN and TNT

Charles Barkley is gearing up for a fresh chapter next season, and it’s not just him—everyone on the iconic “Inside the NBA” squad is packing up for ESPN. This shift comes after ESPN snagged the rights from Warner Bros. Discovery back in November, making waves in the sports media landscape. Chuck spilled some real talk on the “Dan Patrick Show” recently, revealing he’s committed to rocking the mic for just two more years before hanging up the studio shoes. Despite locking in a contract with TNT that technically runs for seven years, Barkley made it clear: he’s counting down only two. The legendary broadcaster’s juggling act between ESPN and TNT has him cautious about workload, and he’s not shy about stepping back if it gets too much. While “Inside the NBA” remains a gold standard in NBA coverage—with ESPN now at the helm—there’s a bit of mystery about how this move will shake things up on the airwaves. One thing’s for sure: the next couple of seasons promise to be a rollercoaster, with the potential end of an era looming if Barkley follows through on retirement. LEARN MORE

Stability should help ensure the program remains as entertaining as ever … at least for the next two seasons. At that point, “Inside the NBA” could be looking to fill a massive void if Barkley goes through with his retirement this time around.Advertisement

While “Inside the NBA” will air on ESPN, TNT will still independently produce the show. Barkley said he was worried about his workload with both networks, and told Patrick he would “walk on home” if he feels overworked in the new arrangement.

“I said I would work for two more years and that’s what I agreed to … I actually have seven years left on my contract. Yeah, there’s no way I’m working seven years. I’m going to be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie and Shaq and the people I work with … but the best I can do is two years.”

It’s not the first time Barkley has talked about retirement. The 62-year-old claimed last June that he would retire following the 2024-25 season. Two months later, he changed course, saying he was committed to TNT.

Barkley spoke about that move during a Monday appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” saying he’ll give ESPN and TNT two years before he calls it quits.AdvertisementBarkley confirmed he signed a new contract with TNT last week. It took both sides two months to reach a deal. While that contract has seven years left on it, Barkley said he made it clear he was willing to work only two years before he calls it a career.Charles Barkley will have a new home next season. He — along with everyone over at “Inside the NBA” — will head to ESPN after the network acquired the rights to the program from Warner Bros. Discovery in November.